I wish you could see it. My local paper today published a five column color photo of four little boys and their "leader" celebrating "Army Day" at their preschool located in the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greensboro, N.C. They are wearing body armor and helments and one is attempting a two finger salute while two others have their arms straight out, Nazi Youth style.
The cutline explains these preschoolers completed "basic training" events such as the balance beam, hoop-jumping and crawling through tunnels to earn their walkie-talkies, plastic rifles and vests.
No doubt most will find nothing wrong with this picture. After all, these tow-headed tots also had Western Day, Pirate Day and Carnival Day this week and what little boy doesn't like playing soldier and aiming toy guns. But to me this picture gives a whole new meaning to "Onward Christian Soldiers" - train them young. Age 4 is about right.
This isn't a rant. I have no enery for a rant. I'm just sad that at a time when my country is spreading death and destruction around the world a church preschool is teaching children that instruments of violence are fun things.
Take out the crayons and color me a tired old anti-war liberal. Call me a traitor. I don't give a damn.